Ten players who could leave Liverpool this summer
By Adam Jones
The Liverpool squad needs a drastic reduction in numbers before any new players are added. Here’s who probably needs to go!
Everyone wants to see new signings. It’s the way modern football fans are. This tunnel vision often tends to distract people from who is still at their club though and Liverpool have a lot of forgotten players.
There are ten players on their books who could leave this summer. Some because the club will want to cut loose, and others because it’s what is best for them individually.
1. Loris Karius
Karius has only just returned to Liverpool after terminating his loan deal with Besiktas due to unpaid wages.
It seems unlikely there is a way back for him into the team. Karius probably doesn’t want to stay either.
2. Nathaniel Clyne
Clyne has missed the entire season so far with a knee ligament injury but the emergence of young Neco Williams makes him redundant.
It’s almost beyond all doubt that Clyne will move on before the start of next season.
3. Dejan Lovren
In truth Lovren’s career has never fully recovered since he got subbed off in the first half against Tottenham all those years ago.
He can be top class for 89 minutes and throw the whole game in the other one minute. Liverpool are reaching a level that he simply isn’t good enough to be at.
4. Naby Keita
Keita is one of my hardest inclusions in this list because like all Liverpool supporters I am desperate for him to succeed.
It hasn’t happened for Keita sadly, and I think the time has come to let him go whilst he still retains a slither of value. At least he’ll probably always hold the record for Liverpool’s fastest Premier League goal!
5. Adam Lallana
Nobody can make a genuine case to offer Lallana a new contract. He has barely played for three years and when he has he’s been mostly ineffective.
We should all remember him fondly for his contributions as well as some memorable late goals against Norwich City and Manchester United. It’s time to move on though.
6. Pedro Chirivella
Chirivella is not a teenager anymore. At his age he should be knocking on the door for the first team, not playing with the under 18’s whilst the first team is in Qatar.
He’s blocking the path of a younger player who might have a future at the club and for his own good he has to leave to kick start his own career.
7. Marko Grujic
It will probably surprise some people that Grujic hasn’t left already. When he does eventually return from his loan, you would think it will be to empty his locker.
Grujic never really lived up to expectation. It seems unlikely he ever will now but his performances in Germany should at least make him one of the more saleable players on the list.
8. Harry Wilson
You can’t help but like Wilson if you are a Liverpool fan. He scored a beautiful free kick against Manchester United and he came through the academy.
The reality is that he actually isn’t that good. You can’t carry a player just to take set pieces and unfortunately that is exactly what any team with Wilson in it has to do.
9. Xherdan Shaqiri
Much like others on this list, Shaqiri just hasn’t been fit enough throughout his time at the club. When he’s not been injured he’s still looked flat on his feet after 30 minutes.
He’s shown some flashes of brilliance but this is not Stoke City anymore. Flashes is just not enough. Aside from that, Harvey Elliott is bursting through the ranks looking for a way into the first team.
10. Divock Origi
Origi will always be a cult hero. His role in the 2019 Champions League success cannot be understated. Not to mention his several late winners.
Sentiment doesn’t breed sustained success though and in order to push forward Liverpool need a striker who can really push for a starting berth.